Finally...a site where Canadian Pontiac enthusiasts can gather. Thanks very much to the creators!
I fell in love with the 1969 Pontiac GTO when I first saw one in 1975. I drooled over the carousel red car with the hide-away headlights and cool Laugh-In graphics. Of course, I was 12 at the time, so there was no way I could get one, no matter how many newspapers I delivered.
Speed up to 2001, and my passion had not diminished for that car. Of course, 1969 GTO Judges run for about $45,000 and climb from there. If you have one of the very rare 108 Judge Convertibles made, well, let's say you have a six figure and up car...my point being, there was no way I could afford to buy a real 69 Judge.
So, being the father of 3 kids, and a middle class guy, I set out to build me a Judge. I was lucky to find a Crystal Turquoise 1969 GTO in fair shape in Peterborough, ON, which I stole for $3000. I actually drove the car 90 miles from Peterborough to my house in Trenton. Imagine my joy when, after buying it, I discovered the engine was the original...serial number and all. Someone is probably still kicking themselves in Peterborough.
I took the entire car apart, and over the next three years, rebuilt it from the frame up. My wife was actually very supportive. I was no longer in the bars...I was in the garage...every weeknight, and all weekend. I can tell any hobbyist who thinks they can restore a car this:
Take what you think it is going to cost...double that figure, and then add half. You should be close. I can guarantee that if you take the front and back glass out of any unrestored 1969 GTO, you will likely feel faint when you discover there is no longer any metal at the cowl or below the back glass. Luckily, they make the panel for the back glass. The cowl, you'll need to patiently restore. If you don't know how to weld, you'll soon learn.
Anyone who tells you they are finished restoring their car has a trailer queen. I am always on the hunt for a better part, a shinier knob, or that perfect mirror...and I drive mine. I have put well over 10,000 hard miles on my GTO since I restored it, and at about 8 MPG, that's a pile of money in itself! I moved from Trenton, ON to Nova Scotia, to Ottawa, and I drove her every time I moved (There is no way I would trust anyone to ship it).
So, the dream of a 12 year old boy has turned into a love affair with a car. Again, my wife would rather I love the car than a 25 year old red head...it's all in how you see the world!
I look forward to watching other dreams come true for you Pontiac nuts. No matter how much she peeves you off, don't give up on her, and don't get rid of her (I'm talking about your Pontiac, not your wife). If you do, you will regret it forever.
4SPEED427 said
Apr 10, 2008
Welcome here, great story!
You have come to a real fun site. It's kind of like a whole group of Canadian Pontiac junkies hanging out in someone's basement sharing car stories!
Stephenzone said
Apr 11, 2008
greeting and welcome. do the cruiser still condragate at the canadian tire on carling and woodroffe? i've lived in all the same places that you mentioned, when were you last in trenton. i retired a year and a half ago from the military from there but i was there for 7 years and before that i was posted to halifax and then ottawa. i'm up to ottawa quite regular driving my beast (55 gmc) to visit the relative maybe we will meet at a cruise,
Goatman said
Apr 11, 2008
Hey there Steve:
Thanks for your service to Canada. I'm still in, pounding that ruck sack into the ground when I have to...no life like it!
I actually restored most of my GTO right in the Auto Hobby Club at CFB Trenton. Great place that is. Car was painted at Weese's Carstar in Trenton.
For cruise nites, I know they meet at the Canadian Tire off Coventry, just down from St Laurent Mall in Ottawa periodically.
The big cruise nite where I am at is the Wednesday nite run at the Place D'Orleans Mall.
Good bunch of guys, and a really nice cross-section of cars...from drivers to queens.
If you see me there this summer, stop by for a chat. I always have time for my brothers and sisters who have served the great country. I'll be the fellow with the grin.
68post said
Apr 11, 2008
Hi Steve, and Goatman,
I'm also ex-military, 23 years as a vehicle tech. I'll be retired 3 years this July. I am still working with the Forces, but now as a civilian twisting wrenches on armoured fighting vehicles.
What trades were/are you two ?
Anybody else out there ex-military? ( Carl 2, I know you were )
Barry
Finally...a site where Canadian Pontiac enthusiasts can gather. Thanks very much to the creators!
I fell in love with the 1969 Pontiac GTO when I first saw one in 1975. I drooled over the carousel red car with the hide-away headlights and cool Laugh-In graphics. Of course, I was 12 at the time, so there was no way I could get one, no matter how many newspapers I delivered.
Speed up to 2001, and my passion had not diminished for that car. Of course, 1969 GTO Judges run for about $45,000 and climb from there. If you have one of the very rare 108 Judge Convertibles made, well, let's say you have a six figure and up car...my point being, there was no way I could afford to buy a real 69 Judge.
So, being the father of 3 kids, and a middle class guy, I set out to build me a Judge. I was lucky to find a Crystal Turquoise 1969 GTO in fair shape in Peterborough, ON, which I stole for $3000. I actually drove the car 90 miles from Peterborough to my house in Trenton. Imagine my joy when, after buying it, I discovered the engine was the original...serial number and all. Someone is probably still kicking themselves in Peterborough.
I took the entire car apart, and over the next three years, rebuilt it from the frame up. My wife was actually very supportive. I was no longer in the bars...I was in the garage...every weeknight, and all weekend. I can tell any hobbyist who thinks they can restore a car this:
Take what you think it is going to cost...double that figure, and then add half. You should be close. I can guarantee that if you take the front and back glass out of any unrestored 1969 GTO, you will likely feel faint when you discover there is no longer any metal at the cowl or below the back glass. Luckily, they make the panel for the back glass. The cowl, you'll need to patiently restore. If you don't know how to weld, you'll soon learn.
Anyone who tells you they are finished restoring their car has a trailer queen. I am always on the hunt for a better part, a shinier knob, or that perfect mirror...and I drive mine. I have put well over 10,000 hard miles on my GTO since I restored it, and at about 8 MPG, that's a pile of money in itself! I moved from Trenton, ON to Nova Scotia, to Ottawa, and I drove her every time I moved (There is no way I would trust anyone to ship it).
So, the dream of a 12 year old boy has turned into a love affair with a car. Again, my wife would rather I love the car than a 25 year old red head...it's all in how you see the world!
I look forward to watching other dreams come true for you Pontiac nuts. No matter how much she peeves you off, don't give up on her, and don't get rid of her (I'm talking about your Pontiac, not your wife). If you do, you will regret it forever.